💰 Custer County Awarded $100K — What It Really Means for Our Town

Custer County recently secured $100,000 through Colorado’s REDI (Rural Economic Development Initiative) for the development of a Wet Mountain Valley Agricultural Marketplace in downtown Westcliffe. Here’s why this matters—and how you can get involved.

Please note: this is breaking news—there is still much work to do. Please engage and support your local tourism community.

Learn more: call Sheyenne (719) 371-9643

🔍 REDI Grant Details & Context

The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) awarded a total of $780,000 across 13 rural projects statewide. Custer County was granted $100K specifically for a brick-and-mortar marketplace in Westcliffe designed to support local producers and strengthen our region’s economy.

💰 Custer County Awarded $100K — What It Really Means for Our Town

🔍 1. What the Grant Covers (Right Now)

The Canon City Daily Record confirms Custer County received $100K via REDI, part of a statewide $780K investment into 13 rural Colorado projects. This initial funding is for the planning phase, not construction:

“Custer County receives $100K through REDI program for Wet Mountain Valley Agricultural Marketplace”

This doesn’t mean a new building is imminent. What it does mean is that we’re moving forward in a thoughtful, structured way—with tools designed to reduce risk and build consensus.

🧐 2. First: Feasibility Study

The grant triggers a feasibility study—a necessary, data-driven sprint to answer:

• Is the marketplace economically viable long-term?

• Can local producers sustain and supply it?

• What’s the demand from residents and travelers?

• What do operational costs and revenue streams look like?

Similar projects across Colorado have used REDI funds this way—others look at broadband or ag facilities first to ensure ROI .

✅ 3. County Commitment & Approval

Next, the County must formally approve the marketplace plan and agree to cover upfront costs, which will later be reimbursed. That step ensures:

• County leaders are on board

• Funds are responsibly tracked

• Local priorities align with state requirements

🎯 4. Why It’s Worth Doing

This isn’t just planning—it’s investing in our future:

• 🚜 For Producers: Direct local sales = possibility of better margins and community markets.

• 🏘️ For Businesses: A new hub could boost foot traffic through Main Street.

• 🌄 For the Community: This is an opportunity to bring people together—over food, education, and pride in our valley.

But none of that happens overnight. We’re at the starting line, not the finish.

🛠 5. What To Expect Next

• A vendor survey—to determine interest and demand.

• Financial modeling—to forecast costs, revenues, and staffing needs.

• Public meetings, forums, updates—to hear resident input and refine the plan.

• A business plan—compiled, reviewed, and approved by the County before grants move to implementation.

🔗 Learn More & Stay Connected

Custer County’s $100K REDI award isn’t the finish line—it’s a well-timed investment in rigor, planning, and community-driven development.

👋 Want To Get Involved?

• Farmers/Ranchers: Prepare to share your insights.

• Business Owners: Think about traffic flow and partnership.

• Residents: Your input matters—help shape what the market becomes.

• County Leaders: Your leadership now sets the foundation for future impact.

Stay tuned here for updates on meetings, surveys, and progress. And if you want help telling your own story—through SEO, local blogs, or marketing support—let’s talk.